Rabbi recalls slain doctor as bright, caring

SANTA ANA – As the family of the doctor fatally shot this week grieves, his rabbi spoke of the lasting good he accomplished.

Dr. Ronald Gilbert was killed in an exam room of his Newport Beach urology office on Monday. A doctor for more than 20 years, the one-time chair of the urology department at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian treated ailments from prostate cancer to sexual dysfunction.

In addition to professional success, Gilbert was known for his dedication to his family and his faith. He was a member of the Chabad of West Orange County for about 20 years, and on Wednesday he was buried in accordance with Jewish traditions.

Rabbi Aron David Berkowitz described him as bright, caring and disciplined: "He was just able to accomplish so much in the time he had."

His family remains in the Jewish weeklong mourning period of shiva, and friends and family have traveled from around the world to pay their respects, Berkowitz said.

"They're in terrible grief," he said, adding that the most difficult days would likely come after well-wishers returned home.

As those who knew him wonder why Gilbert's life was cut short, Berkowitz said often tragedies are not meant to be understood.

"What we can't know, we don't know," he said.

The good that Gilbert did in his life as well as the good he will continue to inspire are what matters, Berkowitz said. These are the things that will help his eternal soul, he said.

"Its greatness is strengthened by all the people he affected," he said.

The man accused of shooting Gilbert during an appointment remained in an Orange County Jail medical ward on Friday.

Stanwood Fred Elkus, 75, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting. Since his arrest on Monday, Elkus has been under evaluation in the medical ward of Santa Ana's Intake Release Center, said Jim Amormino of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. As soon as his condition is evaluated, he will be transferred to another Orange County Jail facility, Amormino said.

Though his neighbors in Lake Elsinore said Elkus had a history of prostate problems, prosecutors said Monday was the first time he had an appointment with Gilbert. Elkus will next appear in court March 1, when he is expected to enter a plea.